Sports Bulletin For January 9: A busy day in the sporting world brought significant developments across cricket, football, badminton, and chess. From franchise
decisions and administrative disputes to standout performances and emotional moments, the day's top updates capture the full spectrum of action and drama. Here's a quick look at the major stories making waves.
1) RCB set to leave Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru Ahead Of IPL 2026: Report
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru are reportedly preparing to shift away from the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the IPL 2026 season. With no discussions held with the KSCA, the franchise is exploring new venues, and Raipur has emerged as the leading candidate, with Indore also under consideration. RCB are expected to split their home matches between these two grounds as they finalise a new base for the upcoming season.
2) Bangladesh Cricketers All Set To Lose SG Sponsorship
Bangladesh cricketers may soon have to change their bat sponsors, as Indian sports brand SG has reportedly decided to end its association with them amid growing cricketing and diplomatic tensions.
The strain began after the BCCI instructed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman, prompting the Bangladesh Cricket Board to deny him an NOC for the IPL. The situation escalated further when the BCB asked the ICC to shift Bangladesh's T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns.
3) Bangladesh Cricket Board sends 2nd letter to ICC for T20 World Cup Venue Shift
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has sent a second request to the ICC, reiterating its demand to shift Bangladesh's T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India to Sri Lanka. Citing rising concerns over travel security ahead of the tournament beginning on February 7, the BCB has outlined its issues in the latest communication. A source told PTI that the ICC sought clarification on specific security worries, and the BCB has provided those details, though they haven't been disclosed publicly.
4) Shock in Mizoram! Ex-Ranji Cricketer Lalremruata Dies During Local Match
Mizoram's cricket community was stunned on Wednesday when former Ranji cricketer Khawlhring Lalremruata collapsed and died during a match in the Khaled Memorial 2nd Division Screening Tournament. Representing Venghnuai Raiders CC against Chawnpui ILMOV CC, he fell ill on the field and was given prompt medical care, but doctors were unable to save him. His sudden death has left the state's cricket fraternity in deep grief.
5) Virat Kohli's Brother Takes Stand Against Critics Before NZ Series
Virat Kohli's brother, Vikas Kohli, sparked discussion on Thursday with a cryptic post on Threads, suggesting that some people rely on taking Virat's name for attention. His remark came just days before the star batter's return to international cricket in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.
Vikas wrote, "SEEMS LIKE LOGON KI DAAL ROTI NAHI CHALTI.. BINA VIRAT KOHLI KA NAAM LIYE HUE.. " The message did not mention anyone directly, but its timing led many on social media to connect it to recent remarks made by former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar.
Virat currently features only in ODIs, having retired from T20Is in 2024 and Tests in 2025.
6) Real Madrid Beat Atletico Madrid In Super Cup Semis To Line Up Barca Summit Clash
Real Madrid booked their spot in the Spanish Super Cup final with a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, setting up a Clasico showdown with Barcelona. Fede Valverde struck from a free-kick, while Rodrygo added another to seal Madrid's fifth straight victory. Alexander Sorloth netted Atletico's only goal as Diego Simeone's side came up short in Jeddah.
7) PV Sindhu Reaches First Semifinal In 13 Months After Yamaguchi Retires In Malaysia Open Quarters
PV Sindhu advanced to her first semifinal in more than a year on Friday after reigning world champion Akane Yamaguchi retired injured following the opening game of their Malaysia Open quarterfinal. Sindhu had entered the last-eight stage with a commanding win over Japan's Tomoka Miyazaki, but the clash against Yamaguchi was anticipated to be far more challenging before the injury forced her opponent to withdraw.
8) Viswanathan Anand Shares Tata Steel Rapid Chess Lead With Nihal Sarin
Viswanathan Anand produced a strong comeback at the Tata Steel Chess Rapid event on Thursday, winning two consecutive games to move into a share of the lead alongside rising star Nihal Sarin.
After an earlier loss to Arjun Erigaisi, Anand bounced back impressively with victories over American GM Hans Niemann and Russia's Volodar Murzin, taking his score to 4.5 out of 6 and keeping himself firmly in contention.
